What is Thymosin Alpha 1?

What is it?

Thymosin Alpha 1, often characterized as Thymosin α1, is a peptide fragment found in prothymosin alpha. Prothymosin alpha is a protein found in humans and other mammals. So far, we understand that the main function of this particular protein and its peptide fragments are to initiate the restoration of immune systems in mammals that have poorly function thymus glands. Both in animals and in humans, it’s been proven to enhance immunity but a considerable amount.

In humans and our monkey-family cousins, the thymus is a special lymphoid organ that rests between our hearts and sternums. Its main function is to enhance our immune systems by creating T cells from hematopoietic progenitor cells. Think of the thymus as your own personal center for disease control. For various reasons, the center of disease control may lose power or struggle to come up with the antibodies needed to fight off disease. That’s where the Thymosin Alpha 1 can come in and help act as a substitute for your body’s CDC.

Recent Development and Future Uses

The end goal for many scientists is to be able to use Thymosin α1 to help in the fight against cancer in humans and other mammals. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death amount mammals and should we be able to enhance our thymus to assist in the uphill battle, it could be game changing for the average lifespan and quality of life for all mammals. Thymosin α1 has been tested fairly rigorously over the past 10 to 15 years in both animals and humans. It’s clear that the future of solutions when it comes to complex disease is directly tied to the understanding of Thymosin α1.

In 1996, it was found that simply by segregating off and isolating squirrel monkeys, their Thymosin α1 levels would decrease. Social animals, like most mammals, literally need same-species interaction to will their bodies to fight off infection; A profound thought.

In 2006, it was found that Thymosin α1 would be a promising piece of the puzzle for the body’s ability to fight off Hepatitis C. Monkeys were found to have favorable results in an elaborate study completed by Hepatology experts John G. McHutchison and Keyur Patel. Injections Thymosin α1 to supplement the natural production within the thymus slowed the effects of HCV considerably. They go on to explore the use-case in human subjects, expecting repeatable results.

Side Effects

As with any injection, there are some minor side effects. The common side effects were found to be redness or slight irritation of the skin at the injection site. Joint aches, pains, and general discomfort lasts for a few hours to a few days. Since it’s a naturally created substance within the body, there are no real side effects caused by Thymosin α1 itself.

Storage and Use

Thymosin Alpha 1 needs to be stored in a refrigerated environment or it will lose its potency and become ineffective. Never use dirty needles in any subject, be sure to use a fresh syringe and needle for each use case to eliminate unnecessary risk of infection.